Abstract: A hoist apparatus for positioning and supporting a load includes an elongated hollow tubular post extruded of aluminum and formed with a plurality of substantially circular holes formed in certain of the walls adjacent a hollow interior of the post. The holes extend throughout the length of the post and have only a short end section thereof adjacent the end edges of the post tapped to provide internal threads for receiving threaded fasteners for mounting the post on a support base and for securing a drive screw end cap plate on the top of the post.

Abstract: A clamping assembly for mounting an apparatus on a side rail of a conveyor has one or a pair of parallelepiped shaped blocks, each having a tenon extending outwardly from one planar side thereof. The tenon has a shape similar to one-half of a dovetail shaped groove, one or two such grooves are formed in one of the side rails of a conveyor. A pair of fasteners clamp each of the blocks against the outer surface of the side rail with the tenons thereof extending into a respective dovetail groove and engaging one-half of the groove. The outer width of the tenon is less then the entrance opening of the dovetail groove enabling the tenon to be placed directly into the groove without being slid inwardly from an end opening.

Abstract: A hoist apparatus for accurately positioning and supporting a load above a production line, which includes an elongated post having a pair of sides with arcuate guide channels formed thereon, and a front face having a recess formed therein. A carriage is supported on the elongated post and a drive screw engages the carriage such that rotation of the drive screw axially translates the carriage in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the post. A base supports the elongated post and includes an interior cross section complementary-shaped to the exterior of the post's exterior surface. In the first embodiment, a plurality of casters are carried by the carriage and rotatably engage the guide channels. The casters are each rotatably mounted on an eccectric cam shaft such that rotation of the cam shaft axially translates the casters toward or away from the guide channel. Such rotation allows the casters to be accurately positioned relative to the guide channel.